Orientation event was attended by students of many grades

Orientation for incoming freshmen and new students was an event that all who attended seemed to enjoy very much. Although the event was designed for a designated number of new students, those who were already attending CCHS also came to enjoy the fun.

The faculty welcomed everyone coming to Freshmen and New Students Night (F.A.N.S.) for an evening of fun and celebration. Students received information concerning CCHS and also learned about the surrounding community. Booths from different agencies were also set up within the school. Food, drinks, and entertainment were provided.

“F.A.N.S. was a celebration for the students, parents, and families. We had a short program with special announcements, door prizes, and entertainment,” said Guidance Counselor/Public Relations liaison Liz Lipscomb. “Members of the audience then broke out and met teachers and staff, toured the school, and learned about the different schools of study at CCHS, the clubs, athletics and other activities. Also, we had numerous agencies there from the community for parents and students from Colleton County or those new to the area, to talk with and find out about all the special things that Colleton County offers to its community. Representatives from agencies and businesses such as the Colleton County Library, Voters Registration Office, Lowcountry Community Action Agency, Colleton County Arts Council, the Council on Aging, the Adult Education Office, the Colleton Literary Council, representatives from the University of South Carolina’s Salkehatchie Campus, the S.C. Vocational Office, and many more were also there.”

Lipscomb added the event was a wonderful opportunity to connect with different services and companies. “It was a great kickoff to welcome our students and parents to a wonderful year at Colleton County High School and the Colleton County community.”

Approximately, 500 people attended the orientation, and The NJROTC did a wonderful job presenting the colors and the pledge of allegiance, said Lipscomb. Walterboro Mayor Bill Young also welcomed students and parents to Walterboro and the new school.

“Dr. William Dixon, Assistant Superintendent, spoke to the students about trying to do their best and starting a new chapter in their lives for success. He spoke on the excellent strides that CCHS has made and these students will be a part of the high school’s continued accomplishments,” Lipscomb noted. She added that CCHS Principal Cliff Warren explained the first day procedures and a review of the dress code and attendance rules was delivered by a “Family Feud” skit with the school Deans and the Guidance Counselors.

“One of our guidance counselors, Mrs. Leslie Stephens, had the vision to expand our annual orientation for students and parents new to the high school, to include also an atmosphere of celebration, community and a big countywide welcome for all. Her vision was a great success as the agencies that came were just wonderful and many commented on how helpful it was to have them there. We cannot thank them enough for their support of the school and the citizens of the county,” Lipscomb said.

Teachers and other staff members were also there to greet students and parents and show them their rooms and talk about the upcoming classes. The CCHS Honor Society students, Cougar Mentor students, and Kappa League students also welcomed families, manned booths of various school organizations, and acted as guides.

“We are so proud of our students! They are an integral part of promoting a positive school atmosphere and the pride we all have as CCHS Cougars,” Lipscomb said.

CCHS Lead Guidance Counselor Beverly Haynes added, “Through a school climate grant that CCHS received, our seniors have been in training all summer to mentor our incoming freshmen and assist them with their transition to high school. This and our four freshmen orientation retreats this summer have given these new freshmen a wonderful start to an excellent school year.”